Corey Kiner stood out in SF’s preseason, flashing balance and wiggle behind the line. A high ankle sprain in the second preseason game vs. Las Vegas will sideline him for about a month. San Francisco waived him with an injury designation to clear a roster spot for Michael Dunn and Malik Knowles, then he cleared waivers and landed on IR. SF’s options now center on rehab and a possible long-term path or an injury settlement that would push him into free agency.

SF has a history of extracting value from UDFA backs, and Kiner’s burst suggested he could factor in behind Christian McCaffrey. If he can return healthy, he might stay in the mix as a depth option and development project into 2025. An injury settlement would likely end that path, though rehab at SF’s facility keeps doors open and preserves the workout clock.

Knowles and Dunn’s addition shows SF’s patience with youth when injuries hit. Knowles adds WR depth; Dunn strengthens the line. For fantasy, Kiner remains a dynasty hold but a wait-and-see in redraft until SF clarifies his status.

San Francisco rolled out a heavily reduced lineup in a lopsided preseason loss to Denver, underscoring how thin the roster remains when top players sit out or nurse injuries. The opening 71-yard drive for a score set the tone, and after that the 49ers managed just a safety and a handful of defensive stops in a game that exposed depth concerns across several spots. For fantasy managers, the night was less about the result and more about which players emerged as late-round, speculative adds who could carve out potential roles if injuries linger or depth is tested deeper into the slate.

Chase Lucas shined on the field for San Francisco, piling up eight tackles and a defensed pass, plus a well-timed pressure that helped force an incompletion. Marques Sigle, in his first pro game, produced seven tackles before missing most of the second half with a knee issue. Tatum Bethune, returning from an ankle tweak, logged six tackles as one of the few bright spots on a night of uncharacteristic tackling struggles. Corey Kiner offered a glimmer of offense with 45 yards on 10 carries and a two-yard catch, signaling possible depth at running back behind SF’s thinner-than-usual group. These performances matter because SF’s injury risk could thrust these players into bigger roles if the regulars remain sidelined.

The takeaway for fantasy and DFS: these standouts are deeper-league considerations at best, but the narratives they create—depth, health, and opportunity—could shape late-season rosters or DFS bargain picks if SF continues to lean on reserve pieces in the upcoming exhibitions. The Bronco-friendly environment of this game amplifies the value of March-through-August observations, reminding fantasy players to monitor practice notes and rosters closely as Week 1 approaches.

San Francisco’s preseason backfield was thin from the start, with Christian McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James sidelined. Ameer Abdullah shouldered the early load, but a third‑quarter rib hit forced him out and left the 49ers with Ke'Shawn Vaughn stepping in after being signed just days earlier. The immediate shift underscored how quickly depth can get taxed in the warmups.

Abdullah’s rugged veteran presence was complemented briefly by Patrick Taylor Jr., Corey Kiner, and Abdullah before the injury, with Vaughn poised to absorb extra snaps the rest of the night. Abdullah’s background—All‑Big Ten standout at Nebraska, then a career across several NFL stops—highlights the volatility and value of veteran depth in SF’s backfield. Vaughn’s arrival could illuminate a path to a broader role if Abdullah misses time.

Fantasy angles center on Abdullah’s health and Vaughn’s integration. If Abdullah is sidelined, Vaughn could become the immediate lead for early downs and short-yardage, while Kiner may compete for change‑of‑pace touches. The Broncos game amplified SF’s need for flexibility behind a top option, making Abdullah’s status a key monitor as Week 1 approaches.

Bottom line: this game illustrated SF’s willingness to test options behind McCaffrey, with a veteran’s injury opening the door for Vaughn and potentially elevating Kiner and the rest of the depth chart in fantasy projections to start the season.

In the quest for hidden gems during the 2025 fantasy football draft, several undrafted running backs are shining bright as potential steals. Raheim Sanders, the explosive SEC transfer, has landed with the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing impressive speed and receiving skills that could make him a valuable asset in a crowded backfield. Meanwhile, Corey Kiner is poised to thrive in the San Francisco 49ers' system, known for transforming undrafted talent into fantasy contributors, thanks to his elite tackle-breaking ability and zone-running proficiency.

Marcus Yarns, joining the New Orleans Saints, stands out with his receiving skills and opportunity behind Alvin Kamara, making him a sleeper worth monitoring. Dillon Johnson, with his power running style from Washington, could carve a role in the Carolina Panthers' lineup, especially near the goal line. Lastly, Ulysses Bentley IV's big-play potential with the Indianapolis Colts adds another layer of intrigue. Each of these players presents a unique opportunity for fantasy managers seeking late-round value and potential upside.

As the NFL offseason progresses, the San Francisco 49ers face difficult decisions regarding their roster ahead of the upcoming season. One player whose future appears uncertain is second-year running back Isaac Guerendo, recently mentioned as a potential trade candidate. The addition of rookies Jordan James and Corey Kiner has raised eyebrows regarding Guerendo's position on the team.

Guerendo's previous season showcased his dual threat as a runner and a pass catcher, evidenced by his impressive catch rate. However, his tendency to hesitate at times has drawn criticism, making his spot in the pecking order less secure. Should he find a way to improve his decisiveness, he could solidify his role in what is a competitive backfield alongside established star Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers' willingness to trade him hinges on the performances of their new rookies and their overall confidence in Guerendo's development.